These soft and fluffy overnight cinnamon rolls are made with a rich, buttery dough, filled with a sweet cinnamon-sugar mixture, and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Prepare the dough the night before, let it rise slowly in the fridge, and wake up to bakery-style cinnamon rolls that are perfect for breakfast or brunch!
- 1 cup warm whole milk (110°F/45°C)
- 2¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (sifted)
- 1 tsp salt
- ¾ cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp milk (if needed for consistency)
- 1 Activate the Yeast
In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tbsp sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- 2 Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, whisk eggs, melted butter, remaining sugar, and yeast mixture.
Gradually add flour and salt, kneading for 8-10 minutes until a smooth dough forms.
Transfer to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1-2 hours until doubled.
- 3 Make the Filling
In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
- 4 Roll & Fill
Roll out the dough into a 12x18-inch rectangle on a floured surface.
Spread softened butter evenly over the dough.
Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the butter.
- 5 Roll & Slice
Roll the dough tightly from the long side into a log.
Cut into 12 equal rolls and place in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
- 6 Overnight Rise
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (8-12 hours).
The next morning, remove from the fridge and let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- 7 Bake the Rolls
Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F).
Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- 8 Make the Frosting & Serve
Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Spread over warm rolls and serve!
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked rolls after slicing. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
- Variations: Add chopped pecans or raisins to the filling for extra texture.